Things haven’t gotten any better for the Bengals since Andy Dalton left with a right thumb injury.
The Steelers drove for a field goal that extended their lead to 10-0 after Stephon Tuitt’s interception on Dalton’s final throw of the day and they’ve now lost another key offensive player.
Tight end Tyler Eifert returned to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion late in the first quarter. Eifert took a shot to the head from Steelers safety Mike Mitchell on a catch early in the game, which brought a flag for Mitchell but looks like it will be even costlier to the Bengals. Eifert is being called doubtful to return.
A.J. McCarron’s first drive with the offense moved into Steelers territory thanks to a pair of penalties on Pittsburgh’s defense, but the drive stalled before Mike Nugent came in to try a 54-yard field goal. The Bengals remain scoreless after the kick fell well short, however.